(1708) Freehold Meeting

[Quick]

There's a little too much going on for Quick to track. Too many voices. He does his best to pay attention, but a lot is missed. His eyes flit between Donovan and Sasha. A new discussion turned into a sour disagreement. It makes his head hurt. Adding his voice to the dispute will only prolong things. On top of that? He'd have to choose a side. As much as he'd like the idea of somewhere secret, private, and hard to get to... it won't appeal to everyone.

More suggestions and questions come up. Quick nervously traces his fingertips with his thumb. Something about duels? Sun's Tongue? Alex and Mhairi really aren't letting it go? That's definitely one dispute he won't take sides on. Not openly. If the Freehold is a new family for each of them, they could really put aside the bickering. Why does it matter who's right? As long as they stay together and stay safe. He rubs his temple. Blinks. Half-pays attention again.

Now something about Speakeasies and a Commons above and below ground? It's overwhelming in here. As noisy as a bar on a Friday but with everyone being part of the same conversations. And with the polite expectation that everyone pay attention. To everyone.

"Hey, uh, guys?" he projects, hoping to be heard over this madness. "Whatever you decide on? I'll help. Spend whatever time I need. But I'm gonna go. Need some air." He thrusts his hands into his pockets and parts his way through the path of least resistance. His blood is positively thrumming in his ears, and all he can think of is that he really, really needs to run.

Unless someone stops him, Quick is going to exit the scene.

[Mhairi Ankaa]

Mhairi hums to herself as she nibbles on a cookie.

"So we have something of a plan." Fell-flames dancing around, "Definitely not tonight. It is growing late, and none of us are prepared to go spelunking." Mhairi adds with a smile.


"...wasn't Ingrid talking about a Hollow? As in something that isn't necessarily tied to here? That's why I was asking about hobs and serving them." Mhairi admits her confusion and turns to look at Ingrid

Quick takes his leave and Mhairi waves him off.

It really was getting late...

5 days left folks!

[Ingrid]

Ingrid has been watching from the back.

"Yes," she replies to Mhairi. "I was talking about the Hollow of the Spring Court. As an option to balance the Blue Note and... whatever... we end up putting in place elsewhere. Its already got the space and one door. So... I was thinking a Faerie bar as a place where we could let ourselves go and not have to worry about the mundane folk. Up to you if we want it connected to the Hedge proper. I'd probably have to consult with my Court first."

He hands flickered before her.

"Anyway. I agree with Alex. We should focus on sorting the tunnels out. If only to work out what we can use and what we need to... close. Or fortify. Or whatever. Discussions for another day I think."

Ingrid looked up at the sky, now slowly darkening, as if to emphasise the point.

[Seraphina]

So things had calmed down. A lot! As talk shifted to some tunnels.

Underground. Which meant they were probably dirty. And smelled. Not somewhere you were going to catch the Treasured. Least not until they were cleaned up at least.

Then Ingrid brings up their Hollow and, a speakeasy? Interesting, that could work.

Looking to her Queen, "I actually have a few ideas for the Hollow that I'd like to discuss with you sometime soon." they needed to carve more out and bring it all together. The word had started, but stalled. Then looking to Sasha with a smile, "Oh, I'm sure we can come up with an amazing idea that can serve multiple uses and ideas."

[Circe]

"Thanks Quick, see ya then," Circe waved farewell as the masked Lost left, "Bring flashlight or three!"


"Laweyrs? Brrrr," Circe gave a fake shiver, "Don't say such terrifying words Alex. Could be worse. I doubt even being among the Thorns would keep Disney's legal sharks away." Circe giggled at her joke. "Lots of access points means lots of ways to get out in case of trouble. Or for something to get in," Circe didn't look happy but she nodded in agreement with Ingrid, "True Ingrid. Gotta inspect if before we know what is there and what we can do with it. At least brick and mortar are cheap, right?"


Circe looked around at everyone, "Honest question. All I know about sealed tunnels is from movies so its bricks or metal bars to me."

[Ingrid]

"Hmm?" Ingrid looked over at Sasha Selena . "Oh no! Spring already has a Hollow. I was offering an option of turning the space into a Faerie bar. For us. We could use that as an impromptu freehold hollow and.. eh... bounce between there, a part of the tunnels, and the Blue Note. Just an idea. I'd need to consult with Seraphina Orianna first. But its an option. I mean - a freehold hollow just needs space and and some Doors. And we can rig those anywhere. I'd have thought the tunnels would be a separate thing... Which we can use if they turn out safe enough."

She turns to Circe Origins

"Bricks and mortar. Yep. My thoughts exactly. I gotta feeling those tunnels will be too big for us manage. But that don't mean we can't carve out our own little kingdom from them. Hell, some of the tunnels might not be safe anyway. So I'm thinking we map out what want; seal up what we don't - from our end, I mean; lets keep it simple, hey? - and go from there."

Tellingly, she looked at the sky again.

"And I really should be going. So should we all I think."

Almost out of time, people.

[Mhairi Ankaa]

Eventually the Lost part ways, the meeting had, and hadn't gone as the Director planned, but at least it's end was set upon a new beginning with the talk of Hollows and the tunnels beneath their feet.

Mhairi waited until each of the other's turned into specks in the distance before she grabbed her empty plate and headed home herself.

End Scene!